Method and apparatus for recognizing images, and copying machine and printer using the same

ABSTRACT

A copying machine obtains image data on the basis of a strip-shaped region by reading portion  10,  converts the image data to YMCK data at image processing portion  20  in the succeeding stage, and performs zooming processing at zooming processing portion  22.  YMCK binary data is produced by pseudo tone processing portion  24.  Output portion  30  sequentially prints out data on the basis of a strip-shaped region based on the produced binary data. The output of the image processing portion is divided into 64 dot portions for a reduction processing (into 128 dot portions for equal size/expansion processing). Then, the output of the image processing portion is applied to a recognizing device  50,  which performs recognizing processing based on data after a zooming operation. As a result, any copying machine printing out data for each prescribed region while reading the data on the basis of a strip-shaped region smaller than the entire original may surely detect image data including a particular image (particular pattern).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a method and an apparatus forrecognizing images, and a copying machine and a printer using the same.

BACKGROUND ART

In a reading portion in a general digital color copying machine (lasertype), as shown in FIG. 1, an image sensor 1 formed by a line of CCDshaving a reading width identical to the width of an original 2 is usedand provided opposing the original. In this example, the width d ofimage sensor 1 in practice is smaller than the width D of the original,since a reducing optics including a lens 3 is used, but in some othercases, the same width is employed. If the lengthwise direction of imagesensor 1 is set as a main scanning direction, image sensor 1 may bemoved back and forth in a sub scanning direction orthogonal to the mainscanning direction.

In reading an original using such image sensor 1, the entire raster scanmethod is employed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, image sensor1 is positioned at the top of original 2, and the first line a (in themain scanning direction) is read by image sensor 1. Then, image sensor 1is moved by 1 line in the sub scanning direction, and the next line b(in the main scanning direction) is read. Thereafter, the process issequentially repeated to read the entire original, based on which aprescribed image processing is performed for printing.

The copying machine employing the kind of entire raster scanning methodas described above is capable of copying data in very high precision,and therefore a printed, out copy could be almost identical to theoriginal. The machine could be therefore used to counterfeit anythingprohibited to copy such as paper currencies.

Hence, in order to prevent such misconduct, an image recognizingapparatus to recognize particular kinds of originals is installed andimage data read by image sensor 1 is subjected to a recognizing process,so that the presence/absence of a particular pattern printed on anyitems, i.e., a pattern prohibited to copy, is determined. If theparticular pattern is detected, output is stopped, or a prescribedprohibiting process such as painting out is performed.

Meanwhile, there are other color copying machines than the digitalcolor-copying machine such as ink jet type machine. The method ofreading images by this type of copying machine is as shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B. More specifically, an image sensor 5 of a small width isprovided opposite to original 2. Image sensor 5 is capable of reading128 dots at 400 dpi. There are further provided an X motor for movingimage sensor 1 in the X-direction and a Y motor for movement in theY-direction, and revolution of each of the motors is controlled to moveimage sensor 5 to an arbitrary position in a two-dimensional plane oforiginal 2.

In reading image data, the X motor is normally rotated to move imagesensor 5 in the X-direction, from position X0 to position of Xn. Duringthe movement, image data at an opposing portion (a reading region a inthe first line) is read. Then, the X motor is reversely rotated, and theY motor is rotated by a prescribed angle in the normal direction to moveimage sensor 5 obliquely as shown in broken line in the figure, andpositioned at the head (X0) of reading region b in the second line.Then, the Y motor is stopped, and the X motor is normally rotated tomove image sensor 5 from position X0 to position Xn in reading region bin the second line. During the movement, image data in the oppositeportion (region b) is read.

Thereafter, by repeating the above process, the entire original is read.Reading of images on the basis of each region a, b . . . is by rasterscanning in a stripped shaped region as shown in FIG. 4. (The solid linearrows in the figure denote periods of reading images, and the lineconnecting the adjacent arrows represents the image sensor in theprocess of moving, and data of each pixel is read following the arrows.)

In printing out, each time one region is read, an image corresponding tothe region is formed by a prescribed image processing, and the thusformed image for the one region is output. More specifically, as shownin FIG. 5, reading data for one region (region a in the first line inthe shown example) is applied from the reading portion including imagesensor 5 to image processing portion 6, where a prescribed imageprocessing is performed, data for one region is applied to the outputportion, and data corresponding to a region a′ for the read region a isprinted using a printing head 7 (equal size printing). Thus, imagereading and image formation are linked to print data bit by bit, so thatan inexpensive, small memory copying machine may be implemented.

Furthermore, printing head 7 provided at the output portion has 128nozzles for one color component corresponding to the reading portion,and the on/off of the color component for the corresponding nozzles iscontrolled based on the color of each pixel detected by the detectionelement of a corresponding sensor.

The above ink jet type color copying machine is not provided with animage recognizing apparatus such as those installed in a conventionallaser type digital color copying machine for recognizing special kindsof originals.

However, in recent years, the above-described ink jet type color printercame to be capable of highly precise color printing, and therefore thesameness between an original and a copy thereof is increased. Thus,there is a need for an image recognizing apparatus for recognizingparticular kinds of originals. As described, however, the imagerecognizing apparatus that has been used in the entire raster scanningdigital color copying machine cannot be applied as is, because of thedifference in the scanning method.

Furthermore, since the operation of the reading portion in the processof expansion/reduction is different between these copying machines, theabove-described problem is more notable. More specifically, in thedigital color-copying machine, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, image sensor 1moves only in a single direction. As a result, the resolution in readingan original in the width-wise direction (in the arranging direction ofimage sensor 1/the main scanning direction) is constant regardless ofthe expansion/reduction ratio. The resolution in reading in the subscanning direction is changed by expansion/reduction. More specifically,the moving speed of image sensor 1 in the sub scanning direction islowered in the expansion process, and raised in the reduction process,and the speed is adjusted by the expansion/reduction ratio. Such simplemovement allows image data with the same resolution to be availableregardless of the magnification simply by thinning and supplementingimage data read in the sub scanning direction as necessary.

In contrast, in the ink jet type machine, 128 nozzles provided atprinting head 7 are controlled at a time for output, during reading astrip-shaped region, data from the head to N-th data is used, whileN+1-th data and on is not used, and the Y motor is rotated to move imagesensor 1 for a distance corresponding to the N pieces of data in theimage sensor, in order to read the next strip-shaped region (thespecific process of which will be described later).

Therefore, part of an output signal from image sensor 1 is invalidated,the moving distance in the Y-direction is not constant, unlike thereading mechanism of the conventional digital color copying machine, andthe conventional recognizing apparatus as is cannot be applied.

Furthermore, in the sub scanning direction, the moving speed of theimage sensor is changed depending upon the magnification, as is the casewith the laser type apparatus. Accordingly, read data istwo-dimensionally changed depending upon the magnification, and the sameimage data is not available depending upon the magnification, simply bythinning or supplementing the read data in the order of application.

The present invention is in view of the above-described background, andit is an object of the present invention to provide a method and anapparatus which can be used even in a copying machine and a printer suchas an inkjet type machine which reads (externally receives) data in astrip-shaped region smaller than the entire original, and producesprinting data based on applied image data for output, and to provide acopying machine and a printer employing such method and apparatus whichpermit data including particular data (particular patterns) to be surelydetected.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and anapparatus permitting zooming process in addition to the above object ofthe invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the above-described objects, an image recognizingapparatus according to the present invention including an imageprocessing portion which produces printing data based on input imagedata for output to an output portion includes a recognizing apparatuswhich recognizes particular images.

Image data input to the image processing portion is sequentially inputin the form of a number of strip-shaped small regions formed by dividingthe entire image by scanning the entire image. The output portionsequentially outputs image data as a prescribed number of lines ofstrip-shaped data based on the output of the image processing portion,the recognizing apparatus detects particular images from an amount ofsaid image data produced by a plurality of scanning operations, comparesthe data with internally stored data and applies the result to saidoutput portion.

The entire image is divided into small regions and input to the imageprocessing portion, where the recognizing apparatus detects if the inputimage data is any of particular images. As a result, a particulardocument may be detected without providing an image memory for 1 page toread the entire image.

According to another aspect of the invention, in the image recognizingapparatus, the image processing system is provided with an image readingportion (reading portion 10) which reads an image on the basis of astrip-shaped small region (each region extending in the sub scanningdirection) for the entire image reading region, and image processingunit (image processing portion 20) which produces printing data based onimage data output from the image reading portion for output. In furtherdetail, the image processing system to which the present inventionportion for output. In further detail, the image processing system towhich the present invention is applied has a zooming function, and thezooming process operates to satisfy the following requirements (1) to(3).

(1) The substantial reading width of said strip-shaped small region ischanged depending upon the magnification.

(2) The widths of printing data available by expansion are equalregardless of the magnification (constant 128 dots in the embodiment).

(3) The width of printing data available by reduction is equalregardless of the magnification (constant 64 dots in the embodiment).

The image recognizing apparatus in the image processing system whichrecognizes a particular image in said read image data (“particular markM, particular pattern” in the embodiment) performs a prescribedrecognizing processing based on image data after zooming operationproduced in said image processing unit, on the basis of a strip-shapedsmall region less than one original page, and recognizes said particularimage, and includes recognizing unit for recognizing said particularimage and output unit for outputting the result of recognition by saidrecognizing unit. Note that in this embodiment, the recognizing unit andoutput unit are collectively referred to as recognizing apparatus 50,50′ or 50″.

The image processing system to which the present invention is applied isnot limited to the above, and the invention is applicable to any systemwhich receives data from an external apparatus, and includes imageprocessing unit for producing printing data based on the received imagedata for output, and the zooming processing by said image processingsystem may be the process satisfying the following requirements (1) to(3).

(1) The substantial reading width of said strip-shaped small region ischanged depending upon the magnification.

(2) The widths of printing data available by expansion are equalregardless of the magnification.

(3) The widths of printing data available by reduction are equalregardless of the magnification.

Note that the zooming process is not essential in the above imageprocessing system, and the above elements may be arbitrarily combined.Various combinations of the above elements are given in the followingembodiments.

Preferably, said printing data is binary data representing whether ornot to output ink corresponding to each color component, and saidrecognizing unit performs a recognizing processing based on multi-valueimage data produced in said image processing unit after zoomingoperation and before producing said binary data. The image data used forsaid recognizing process may be a signal that specifies a colorcomponent other than optical color information such as YMC data and YMCKdata.

Meanwhile, in the image recognizing method according to the presentinvention, an image is read on the basis of a plurality of parallelstrip-shaped small regions for the entire image reading region, andprinting data is produced based on the resulting image data for output.If said printing data is produced by zooming process, the followingrequirements (1) to (3) are satisfied.

(1) The substantial reading width of said strip-shaped small region ischanged depending upon the magnification.

(2) The widths of printing data available by expansion are made equalregardless of the magnification.

(3) The widths of printing data available by reduction are made equalregardless of the magnification.

A prescribed recognizing processing is performed based on image dataafter zooming operation, on the basis of a strip-shaped small regionless than one original page, and a particular image included in saidimage data is recognized.

As an alternative solution, image data is received from an externaldevice on the basis of a plurality of parallel strip-shaped smallregions for an image region to be printed out. Then, printing data isbasically produced and output based on the received image data. If thezooming processing is performed to produce said printing data, thefollowing requirements (1) to (3) are satisfied.

(1) The substantial reading width of said strip-shaped small region ischanged depending upon the magnification.

(2) The widths of printing data available by expansion are made equalregardless of the magnification.

(3) The widths of printing data available by reduction are made equalregardless of the magnification.

A prescribed recognizing processing is performed based on image dataafter the zooming processing, on the basis of a strip-shaped smallregion less than one original page, and a particular image included insaid image data is recognized.

More preferably, said printing data is binary data representing whetheror not to output ink corresponding to each color component produced insaid image processing unit after zooming processing, and a prescribedrecognizing processing is performed based on multi-value image databefore producing said binary data, in order to recognize said particularimage. Said recognizing processing may be performed based on image dataof signals that specify a color component other than optical colorinformation (RGB data) such as YMC data and YMCK data.

According to the present invention, in a copying machine which performsa zooming processing to image data applied on the basis of astrip-shaped small region, produces printing data, and performs aprinting processing based on the printing data on the basis of astrip-shaped small region, there is provided an image recognizingapparatus for recognizing a particular image on the basis of astrip-shaped small region less than one original page, using the dataafter the zooming processing, and outputting is prohibited if theparticular image is recognized by the recognizing apparatus.

Also according to the present invention, in a printer which performs azooming processing to image data applied on the basis of a strip-shapedsmall region, produces printing data, and performs a printing processingon the basis of a strip-shaped small region based on the producedprinting data, there is provided an image recognizing apparatus forrecognizing a particular image, using the data after the zoomingoperation, and outputting is prohibited, if the particular imagesrecognized by the recognizing apparatus.

In summary, according to the present invention, the recognizingprocessing is based on data without zooming processing or after zoomingoperation. More specifically, in an ink jet type copying machine orprinter, unlike a laser type printer, printing data is produced for eachimage data available from a small region specified by main scanning andsub scanning operations, and printing processing is performed. In thezooming processing, the substantial reading width varies depending uponthe magnification. (In the embodiment, image data read by the readingportion is 128-dot data similarly to the case of equal size printing,but the substantial reading width is reduced, because image data fordots beyond N dots from the head is not used.) Thus, on the side of theread image data, data changes depending upon the magnification, thewidth of data after zooming processing is specified into two kinds, thecase of reduction and the case of expansion.

As a result, corresponding operations are alleviated. By obtaininginformation as to whether the zooming processing is for expansion orreduction, the algorithm is switched between prepared recognizingalgorithms for prescribed processing. Since prescribed recognizingprocessing is performed to image data after a zooming operation, thesame apparatus may be used for a printer that does not have a readingportion.

Terms used herein will be now defined.

In the specification, as shown in FIG. 6, the scanning direction A ofsensor 5 itself is specified as a main scanning direction, and thedirection B in which the sensor moves for reading a strip-shaped regionis specified as a sub scanning direction. Thus, the sensor is moved inthe sub scanning direction while reading an image in the main scanningdirection and image data in a strip-shaped region is read asraster-scanned. Furthermore, the movement of the sensor insynchronization with the printing head, in other words the movement C ofthe printing head for reading the next strip-shaped region is specifiedas page-scanning.

The zooming processing includes expansion and reduction processing. Thezooming operation includes not only such expansion/reduction processingbut also equal-size processing wherein the magnification is 100%, orprocessing without zooming processing.

The output prohibiting processing includes not only stopping outputting,but also painting in solid black all over or outputting anythingdifferent from the original such as the case of printing a specialdesign over the original image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a readingportion in a conventional digital color-copying machine.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for use in illustration of a method of scanning in adigital color-copying machine.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for use in illustration of a method ofscanning in an ink jet type-copying machine to which the presentinvention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for use in illustration of a scanning method in anink jet type-copying machine to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a general structure of an ink jettype-copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for use in illustration of the definition of ascanning direction during scanning in an ink jet type-copying machine towhich the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams for use in illustration of scanning inreduction processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for use in illustration of expansion/reductionprocessing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the inside of anoutput portion.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the inside of arecognizing apparatus.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams for use in illustration of the function ofa binary/multi-value conversion portion.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inside of arecognizing portion.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams for use in illustration of the function ofa buffer control portion.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams for use in illustration of the functionof a mark detection portion.

FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 are diagrams for use in illustration of the functionof a mark detection portion and a buffer control portion.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of a recognizing apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a recognizing apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are diagrams for use in illustration of the functionof a thinning portion.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are diagrams showing other examples of the recognizingapparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a recognizing apparatusaccording to a third embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 7, a general structure of a copying machine to whichthe present invention is applied will be described by way ofillustration.

As shown, there are provided a reading portion 10 for reading anoriginal on the basis of a strip-shaped small region, an imageprocessing portion 20 for obtaining RGB data output from reading portion10 and performing prescribed image processing to the data to form anoutput image, and an output portion 30 for actually printing out data ona sheet based on the output of image processing portion 20.

Furthermore, the copying machine having an additional printing functionincludes an external device interface (i/f) 40 parallel to readingportion 10 on the input side of image processing portion 20. An RGBsignal is applied to image processing portion 20 from an externalcomputer or the like through interface 40. Note that an apparatusdedicated for copying is not provided with such external deviceinterface 40. Conversely, a printer-dedicated apparatus may be formed byremoving reading portion 10 from the configuration shown in FIG. 7.

Each portion will be further described in detail. Reading portion 10 hasa sensor portion 11, and a shading correction portion 12. As describedin connection with the prior art, sensor portion 11 has an image sensor(128 dots/400 dpi) such as CCD for reading a strip-shaped region, and adriving mechanism for moving the image sensor in the X-direction (subscanning direction) and the Y-direction (page scanning direction).Shading correction portion 12 performs shading correction to image dataread by sensor portion 11, in other words corrects unevenness caused byvariations in the sensitivity of cells forming the sensor and theprecision of optics, produces a luminance signal for leveled threecolors R, G, and D, and outputs the resultant signal to image processingportion 20 in the succeeding stage.

Image processing portion 20 performs a logarithmic transformation to theRGB data applied through reading portion 10 or external device interface40 at its YMCK transformation portion 21, produces Y (yellow), M(magenta), C (cyan) data for printing, removes the Y, M, and C colorcomponents of a black component to produce Bk (black) data. Four colorcomponent data produced by adding Bk (hereinafter simply as “K”) to theYMC data is transmitted to zooming processing portion 22 and prescribedzooming processing is performed to achieve a magnification specified bythe side of the copying machine main body.

More specifically, in equal size processing, the applied data isdirectly output. More specifically, data for 128 dots (in the mainscanning direction) read by the sensor at one time is used for data (128dots) for the printing head for one processing.

In the case of reduction, among the 128 dots read by the sensor, datafor a prescribed number of dots from the head is used, and data for theprinting head for 64 dots (half the 128 dot data for one printingoperation). For example, if the magnification is 50%, as shown in FIG.8, 128 dots are read in the first sub scanning, and data for printinghead for 64 dots is produced.

Note that data for 64 dots may be produced from the 128 dots by variousmethods such as simply thinning data every other time, or producing datafor 1 dot by averaging data for 2 dots. Zooming processing portion 22produces the first half 64 dot data for the printing head from the 128dots.

Note that in actual printing, data for 128 dots is collectivelyprocessed, sensor portion 11 in reading portion 10 moves 128 dots in thepage scanning direction, and the last half 64 dot data for the printinghead is once again produced on the 128 dot data read by sensor portion11 in the second sub scanning, and the first and second data arecombined to produce 128 dot data for printing head for output (detailsof which will be described later).

As described above, since the printing head outputs 128 dotssimultaneously, if, for example, data is reduced to its 75%, as shown inFIG. 9, among data produced by reading 128 dots in the first subscanning, data for 85 dots from the head is used to produce data for 64dots for the printing head. Thus, data is reduced from the 85 dots to 64dots, and data of a reduction ratio of about 75% with respect to theread image data is produced. Zooming processing portion 22 extracts datacorresponding to the first to N-th data to produce data for 64 dots.

Note that, since N-dot data (85 dot data for 75%) is used, data beyondN+1-th dot and on (85 dots for 75%) is not used. Therefore, image datacorresponding to such a portion is produced based on data obtained inthe next sub scanning. As a result, the moving distance of the sensor inthe page scanning direction at sensor portion 11 is for N dots used inthe first sub scanning, and data for 128 dots is read from the N+1-thdot in the second sub scanning (data actually used is data from the headto N-th dot). Thus, the moving distance in the page scanning differsdepending upon the reduction ratio.

Although not shown, in the case of expansion, among 128 dot pixel dataobtained in the first sub scanning, data from the head to N-th dot issubjected to an appropriate interpolation process to produce data for128 dots for the printing head. More specifically, if the image isexpanded at 200%, data for 64 dots from the head is formed into 128 dotsto achieve the expansion ratio of 200%. The process is performed byzooming processing portion 22. During the expansion processing, data forN dots from the head is used, the moving distance of the page scanningalso corresponds to N dots.

The number of dots used from the head among read 128 dots in the abovereduction/expansion processing, the moving distance in the pagescanning, and the number of dots for data for the printing head producedbased on the extracted dot data are as shown in FIG. 10. The exampleshown is simply by way of illustration, and the manner ofreduction/expansion processing is not limited to the above.

The output of zooming processing portion 22 is transmitted to a headshading/gamma correction portion 23, and a pixel signal is corrected(head shading correction) for each nozzle, in order to eliminateunevenness (shading) at the time of printing based on variations in theshape of nozzles at the printing head. Furthermore, in order to expressmore clearly inter-character gaps or the like, a gamma correctionwherein edges are stressed, or general brightness in the result ofprinting is adjusted by adjusting the increase/decrease in theconcentration signal is performed.

Data after these corrections is applied to a pseudo intermediate toneprocessing/black character processing portion 24 in the succeedingstage, and whether or not to output ink from a corresponding nozzles isdetermined. More specifically, there are 128 sets of 4 nozzles for eachcolor component at the printing head. For each of 128 dot pixels, amongthe four nozzles, the determination is binary as to whether or not tooutput corresponding ink from a prescribed nozzle(s). Then, pseudo toneexpression is performed by means of error diffusion or densityaveraging, and each pixel is binarized by referring to the density ofsurrounding pixels (pseudo tone processing).

Furthermore, for the portion of black characters, a signal which turnson only Bk (black signal) to allow only the ink to be ejected from anozzle corresponding to the black signal, while prohibits ink from beingejected from nozzles for other color signals. Thus, in color printing,the part of black characters can be more clearly printed.

Output portion 30 has a buffer memory 31 and a combining portion 32 onthe input side as shown in FIG. 11, and data output from imageprocessing portion 20 is applied to any of these portions. Morespecifically, data on the basis of 128 dots (in equal size and expansionprocessing) or 64 dots (in reduction processing) is applied from imageprocessing portion 20 as described above. Then, data finally printed ison the basis of 128 dots.

If data for the first half 64 dots is input in reduction processing, thedata is stored in buffer memory 31. When data for the last half 64 dotsis input, the last half data is applied to combining portion 32, and thedata stored in buffer memory 31 is also applied to combining portion 32,where data for 128 dots is produced. The thus produced data is stored ina printing data storage portion 33.

In equal size processing and expansion processing, data for 128 dots istransmitted from image processing portion 20, and the data is directlystored in printing data storage portion 33 through combining portion 32.Whether 128 dot data or 64 dot data is transmitted is determined basedon a control signal (1/0 flag) applied from image processing portion 20.

In printing data storage portion 33, a control signal is transmitted ina prescribed timing to a head control portion 34, which controlsprinting head 35 including a prescribed number of nozzles and ink tanksor the like to operate based on the control signal, so that ink in aprescribed color is ejected to a prescribed pixel of the 128 dots forprinting processing.

Note that image processing portion 20 and output portion 30 as describedabove is known devices, and therefore detailed description of each ofthese devices is not provided. If necessary, a detailed description isgiven in for example NIKKEI ELECTRONICS, May 25, 1992, pp. 195-214(excluding the zooming operation portion).

Herein, according to the present invention, a recognizing apparatus 50for detecting a particular pattern is provided as shown in FIG. 7. Theoutput of image processing portion 20 as described above is applied torecognizing apparatus 50, where a prescribed recognizing process isperformed to image data for printing after zooming processing, and aresult of recognition (a detection signal of the particular pattern) isapplied to output portion 30 to perform prescribed outputtingprohibiting processing. More specifically, according to the presentinvention, image data or data similar to the image data (after zoomingprocessing) formed for printing is used for the recognizing process.

Therefore, image data applied for image processing may be equallytreated regardless of if the data is applied from reading portion 10 orfrom external device interface 40. As a result, the apparatus having thesame structure may be applied as a recognizing portion for a copyingmachine as well as a recognizing portion for a printer.

The configuration of the inside of recognizing apparatus 50 is as shownin FIG. 12. More specifically, data output from image processing portion20 is binary data in YMCK, and therefore a binary/multi-value conversionportion 51 is provided on the input side in this embodiment, where datais converted into multi-value data having tones, and the amount ofinformation is increased, so that highly precise recognition ispermitted. Multi-value data in YMCK is applied to recognizing portion52, and an actual recognizing process is performed.

Binary/multi-value conversion portion 51 uses a 5×5 filter as shown inFIG. 13, for example, and weights the values of the surrounding binarydata (1/0) with respect to pixel A in the center to be processed, andproduces multi-value data by thus summing the data. Note that a to f inFIG. 13 are coefficients, and a=11, b=6, c=3, d=2, e=1, and f=0 as shownare examples. Then, if all the pixels in a 5×5 matrix are all 1,multi-value data, 63 is available. However, since color image data isnormally expressed in 256 tones or more, the amount of information issmall as compared to such normal color image data.

If pixels to be processed used as a reference for producing multi-valuedata are set for each 4 pixels such as A, A′, A″ . . . , a 400 dpi imagemay be formed into a 100 dpi multi-value image. Naturally, if suchprocess is performed to all the pixels, multi-value data may be producedwhile maintaining the original resolution, and the manner of the processis determined taking into consideration the processing speed, precisionand the like.

Furthermore, a line memory 51 a is provided for using the data ofsurrounding pixels as described above, necessary pixel data istemporarily held at line memory 51 a, and multi-value processing isperformed while reading out necessary pixel data. Note that, since datais applied on a 1-line basis in the lengthwise direction, data in thelengthwise direction is also stored on a one-line basis in line memory51 a, and once five lines of such data are stored in the sub scanningdirection, the stored data is read out for multi-value processing.

Meanwhile, recognizing portion 52 is as shown in FIG. 15. Morespecifically, binary/multi-value conversion portion 51 sequentiallyapplies the image data to buffer control portion 52 a, which addressesthe applied image data and stores data at a prescribed address in buffermemory 52 b.

More specifically, if pixels forming image data for printing arearranged as shown in FIG. 16, and their coordinates are given as (xi,yj), data is applied from image processing apparatus 20 on a one-linebasis in the lengthwise direction, the main scanning direction in thefigure. Once multi-value processing has been performed to all the pixelsat binary/multi-value conversion portion 51, if 126 dots are input fromimage processing apparatus 20 each time, multi-value data of the samepixel number is output from binary/multi-value conversion portion 51(data is different, because it is converted into multi-data), data at(0, 0), (0, 1), . . . , (0, 127) is applied for the first time, and dataat (1, 0), (1, 1), . . . , (1, 127) is applied for the second time. Whendata up to the end of the sub scanning direction (i=max) is applied,which means data for 126 dots ahead in the page scanning direction willhave been applied, in other words data for (0,128), (0,129), . . . ,(0,255) will have been applied (thereafter sequentially applied).

If 64 dot data is applied each time as in a reduction process, data at(0,0), (0,1), (0,63) is applied for the first time, and data at (1,0),(1,1), . . . , (1,63) is applied for the second time. When data up tothe end of the sub scanning direction (i=max) is applied, which meansdata for 64 dots ahead in the page scanning direction will have beenapplied, in other words data for (0,64), (0,65), . . . , (0,127) willhave been applied (thereafter sequentially applied).

Use of the coordinate values for the addresses in buffer memory 52 b,image data applied in the lengthwise direction may be stored in thecrosswise direction (see FIG. 17). More specifically, X-coordinatevalues (xi) are used for lower addresses in the memory, whileY-coordinate values (yj) are used for higher addresses in the memory.Thus, if data raster-scanned in a strip-shaped manner (main scanning+subscanning) is page-scanned data, data sequentially transmitted in oneline in the lengthwise direction is stored in an arrangement of one linein the crosswise direction, and stored at addresses corresponding to thepositions of the pixels of image data to be printed.

Note that, if the resolution is lowered at binary/multi-value conversionportion 51, the number of pieces of data applied at a time torecognizing portion 52 is different, but data is similarly applied onthe basis of one line in the lengthwise direction, and addressing isperformed to the buffer memory based on coordinate values.

Data stored in buffer memory 52 b is sequentially applied to markdetection portion 52 c and a detail matching portion 52 d, where aprescribed mark is detected by mark detection portion 52 c, and if animage appearing corresponding to the prescribed mark is detected, adetection signal is sent to detail matching portion 52 d, where a detailmatching process is performed to make accurate determination.

The processing function of mark detection portion 52 c will be nowdescribed. Let us assume that a particular mark M formed of “acombination of a circle and a star” as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B hasbeen printed in a particular original (image data) to be detected, andsuch particular mark M will be detected. If the size of particular markM is 8 mm, the width of output data produced based on one sub scanningby equal size or expansion processing is 128 dots at 400 dpi, whichmatches the size of 8 mm. However, the particular mark is notnecessarily present in the sub-scanned strip-shaped region, and suchmark is usually present bridging adjacent regions (see FIG. 18A). Markdetection portion 52 c starts searching the moment data for 16 mm widthobtained by the second sub scanning is stored in buffer memory 52 b.

More specifically, image data produced based on the first sub scanningis only stored in the buffer memory, and mark detection portion 52 cdoes not yet operate at that point. When image data produced based onthe second sub scanning is stored in the buffer memory, searchable datais collected. After data based on the second sub scanning is stored,data stored for the first time and second time is read out for firstsearching. After image data produced based on the third sub scanning isstored in the buffer memory, data stored for the second time and thethird time is read out for the second searching. Thereafter, repeatingthe above-described process, the presence/absence of particular mark Mis determined for each 16-mm width strip-shaped region. Note thatvarious known recognizing algorithms may be applied such asdetermination by pattern matching or characteristics amount extractionfor the specific process of detecting particular mark M, and therefore adetailed description thereof is not be provided.

The operation timings of writing/reading to buffer memory 52 b andsearching processing at mark detection portion 52 c are as shown in FIG.19. More specifically, image data for 128 dots in the Y-direction (mainscanning direction) is stored in stage 1. In stage 2, a page scanning isperformed to store image data for 128 dots in the Y-direction (mainscanning direction) for the next strip-shaped region in buffer memory 52b. At the time, the data is stored in a region different from the regionthat has stored the data in stage 1.

Then, in stage 3, a page scanning is performed to store image data for128 dots in the Y-direction (main scanning direction) for the nextstrip-shaped region in buffer memory 52 b. At the time, the data isstored in a region different from the regions that have stored the datain stages 1 and 2. Since searchable data has been collected by theprocess in stage 2, particular mark M is searched using the alreadystored data for 256 dots in parallel with storing data in stage 3.

Similarly, in stage 4, a page scanning is performed to store image datafor 128 dots in the Y-direction (main scanning direction) for the nextstrip-shaped region in buffer memory 52 b. At the time, since the datastored in stage 1 has already been used in the searching process instage 3, the data is overwritten at the portion stored in stage 1.Further in stage 4, particular mark M is searched using the data for 256dots stored in stages 2 and 3.

Thereafter, the above-described process is repeated for data storage andsearching processing. If anything like particular mark M is detected, adetection signal is output to detail matching portion 52 d. Note thatthe memory normally operates on the basis of multiples of 4, the datamay be stored in a separate location in stage 4, and in stage 5, thedata may be overwritten in the part of the memory which stored data instage 1 to form a ring buffer.

Meanwhile, as described above, in the case of reduction processing, theimage data for 64 dots for printing is produced in the first subscanning. As a result, data for only 4-mm width is applied. As shown inFIG. 18B, data in a strip-shaped region of 16-mm width the same as theabove is collected by four sub scanning operations. Therefore if datafor the four sub scanning operations has been stored, the data is readout for searching processing. In this embodiment, in order to make thetiming of searching processing and the region to search the same asthose in the equal size, expansion processing shown in FIG. 18A, datafor the past four sub scanning operations is read out every time datafor 8 mm width (two sub scanning operations) is collected thereafter,based on which searching processing is performed.

The specific process flow corresponding to such process is as shown inFIG. 20. More specifically, image data for 64 dots in the Y-direction(main scanning direction) is sequentially stored in separate portions inbuffer memory 52 b in stages 1 to 4. In stage 5, a page scanning isperformed to store image data for 64 dots in the Y-direction (mainscanning direction) for the next strip-shaped region in a separateportion. Since searchable data has been collected by the process up tostage 4, the already stored data for 256 dots (data obtained byoperations in stages 1 to 4) is used to search particular mark M inparallel to storing data in stage 5.

Then, in stage 6, a page scanning is performed to store image data for64 dots in the Y-direction (main scanning direction) for the nextstrip-shaped region in buffer memory 52 b at a different portion. At thetime, on the side of mark detection portion 52 c, the searchingprocessing which has been performed in stage 5 based on the dataobtained by performing operations in stages 1 to 4 continues, or thesearching processing has been interrupted. More specifically, in thecase of reduction processing, the moving time for sub scanning isshortened, and the time required for searching based on once subscanning processing is shortened as well. Since searching processing toa region for 256 dots may not be completed, and spare time for searchingis secured in stage 6, so that the searching processing can be surelycompleted.

Furthermore, in stage 7, a page scanning is performed to store imagedata for 64 dots in the Y-direction (main scanning direction) for thenext strip-shaped region in buffer memory 52 b. At the time, since thedata stored in stages 1 and 2 has been used by the searching processingin stages 5 and 6, the portion stored in stage 1 is overwritten. Instage 7, particular mark M is searched, using the data for 256 dotsstored in stages 3 to 6.

Thereafter, data storage and searching processing are performed byrepeating the above process. If anything like particular mark M isdetected, a detection signal is output to detail matching portion 52 d.

Note that if the searching processing may be completed in a singlestage, the searching processing is performed based on data for previousthree searching operations, once data for the three searching operationsis obtained, rather than starting searching processing after obtainingdata for four searching processings, and thereafter searching processingmay be performed each time data based on the first sub scanning isobtained.

In practice, as shown in FIG. 21, it is determined whether data forprinting head is 64-dot data, the flow shown in FIG. 20 is executed ifthe data is 64-dot data, and the flow in FIG. 19 is executed if the datais not 64-dot data (if it is 128-dot data). If the data is 64-dot dataor not is determined based on the flag applied from image processingportion 20. More specifically, at the time of printing processing atoutput portion 30, whether or not to combine images is switched based onthe flag signal from image processing portion 20, and therefore such aflag is also applied to the side of recognizing apparatus 50.

In the above-described example, since multi-value data is producedwithout lowering the resolution at binary/multi-value conversion portion51, searching processing is performed each time data for 256 dots issecured, but if the resolution is degraded to a level such as 100 dpi,the processing will be performed based on image data based on subscanning data for two operations (equal size or expansion processing) orfour operations (reduction processing) which corresponds to data of 16mm width. Thus, the number of dots is not limited to the above and maybe reduced.

Meanwhile, detail matching portion 52 d is used to surely determinewhether or not image data is a copy/printing prohibited item if aparticular mark is detected by mark detection portion 52 c, and performsprescribed recognizing processing based on dictionary data 52 e storedin a ROM or the like.

More specifically, since the position of the particular mark isavailable by the function of mark detection portion 52 d, the portion iscut out by the detailed matching portion, subjected to rotationalmatching with the dictionary data stored in the ROM for high precisiondetermining. For specific recognizing algorithms, various knownalgorithms may be applied, and therefore a detailed description thereofis not provided.

In order to detect a pattern in a prescribed positional relation from areference using particular mark M detected by mark detection portion 52c as the reference for an object to be recognized by detail matchingportion 52 d, an object to be detected at mark detection portion 52 cmay be naturally different from an object to be detected at detailmatching portion 52 d. Then, the above particular mark M detected atmark detection portion 52 c, a particular mark detected by the detailmatching portion or the pattern in the prescribed positional relation isa particular pattern to be recognized (detected) according to thepresent invention.

One embodiment of a method of recognizing using the above-describedapparatus according to the present invention will be described. When theapparatus is used as a copying machine, the sensor is moved in the subscanning direction at reading portion 10 to obtain data in the subscanning at each position, and one strip-shaped region is raster-scannedto obtain image data (RGB). RGB data obtained after prescribed shadingcorrection is subjected to sub scanning processing as it is sequentiallyapplied to image processing portion 20 in real time. If zoomingprocessing is performed, complicated operations are involved such aschanging the speed of moving in the sub scanning direction or changingthe moving distance in the page scanning direction depending upon themagnification (expansion/reduction ratio).

Image processing portion 20 converts the applied image data into YMCKdata, and then produces 128 dot-image data depending upon themagnification if equal size and expansion processing is performed byzooming processing portion 22. In a reduction processing, 64 dot-imagedata is produced depending upon the magnification. More specifically, atreading portion 10, various kinds of complicated operations areperformed depending upon the magnification, while the output of zoomingprocessing portion 22 is limited to two kinds, 128 dots and 64 dots.

Then, prescribed correction processing and pseudo tone processing areperformed, and binary data for YMCK is produced and applied to outputportion 30. At the time, data is applied on the basis of 128 dots or 64dots corresponding to the output of zooming processing portion 22. TheYMCK binary data is also applied to recognizing apparatus 50 in parallelto the above operation.

Then, at output portion 30, image data for printing head is producedbased on the applied image data, and printing is performed to astrip-shaped region on the basis of data for 128 dots at the printinghead. Recognizing apparatus 50 converts YMCK (binary) data intomulti-value data at binary/multi-value conversion portion 51, and thenapplies the result to recognizing portion 52 for prescribed recognizingprocessing. Once a particular mark (pattern) is detected, a detectionsignal is applied to output portion 30, based on which output portion 30stops printing.

As described above, in this embodiment, since data for printing afterzooming processing or similar data is used for determination, such datamay be classified into two kinds regardless of the magnification, andtherefore accurate determination may be made by simple algorithms.

When the apparatus is used as a printer, RGB data is applied to imageprocessing portion 20 in a prescribed order from an external device suchas computer through external device interface 40. Data for a prescribednumber of dots in the main scanning direction is sequentially appliedalong the sub scanning direction as is the case with the output fromreading portion 10. In such processing, data is sequentially transmittedfrom a position separated by a prescribed bit number in the pagescanning direction. Note that the processing at and after imageprocessing portion 20 is the same as the process by the above-describedcopying machine, a description of which is not provided.

Note that in the above-described embodiment, recognizing portion 52performs processing based on YMCK multi-value data, but the invention isnot limited to this, and YMCK binary data may be directly applied torecognizing portion 52, which may perform recognizing processing basedon the binary data, without providing binary/multi-value conversionportion 51 shown in FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 22, a YMCK/RGB conversion portion 53 may be providedbetween binary/multi-value conversion portion 51 and recognizing portion52, to convert YMCK data (multi-value) to RGB data (multi-value), andrecognizing processing may be performed based on the RGB data. AtYMCK/RGB conversion portion 53, a lookup table is for example used toconvert YMCK to RGB. Processing in recognizing portion 52 is basicallysame as that described in connection with the above-described embodimentexcept that data to be treated is changed from YMCK to RGB.

FIG. 23 shows a second embodiment of the invention. As shown, in thesecond embodiment, the position of connecting recognizing portion 50′ isdifferent from the first embodiment. More specifically, the output ofzooming processing portion 22 (YMCK multi-value data) is applied torecognizing apparatus 50′.

In recognizing apparatus 50′, since image data is multi-valueinformation, only recognizing portion 52 may be provided by removingbinary/multi-value conversion portion 51 from recognizing apparatus 50shown in FIG. 12 according to the first embodiment, or YMCK/RGBconversion portion 53 and recognizing portion 52 may be provided byremoving binary/multi-value conversion portion 51 from recognizingapparatus 50 shown in FIG. 22.

Since the multi-value data normally has at least 256 tones, the buffermemory must have a larger capacity, and shorter accessing time isrequested for reading/writing from/to the memory, which is to increasein the cost.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 24, for example, a thinning portion 54 may beprovided before recognizing portion 52 in order to reduce theresolution. Thinning portion 54 may reduce the resolution from 400 dpito 100 dpi by averaging processing as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B. Morespecifically, the sum of the density values of pixels (1) to (16)present in a 4×4 region is produced, the produced value is divided bythe number of pixels to produce an average value, and the value 16 timesas many as the average value is used as the density value of one pixelafter thinning (see FIG. 25B).

Since data for a prescribed number of pixels should be held for theaveraging process, data applied to line memory 54 a is held, and oncedata for a prescribed number of lines (four lines in this embodiment) isstored, the data is read out for thinning (averaging) processing.

Since the main scanning direction is in the lengthwise direction in thefigure, data is sequentially applied on the basis of one line in thelengthwise direction. More specifically, image data for (1), (5), (9),(13), . . . is applied for the first time, and image data for (2), (6),(10), (14), . . . is applied for the second time. The applied image datais sequentially stored in line memory 54 a. Then, data is appliedsequentially in the sub scanning direction, and once data up to thefourth line in the sub scanning direction has been applied, data for theprevious three lines is also read out from line memory 54 a, and theaveraging processing is formed using the data.

Note that the structure and function of recognizing portion 52 is thesame as those described in connection with the first embodiment, exceptthat data to be processed is multi-value data having its resolutiondegraded after thinning processing, the same portions are denoted by thesame reference characters, and a detailed description thereof is notprovided.

Recognizing apparatus 50′ performs prescribed recognizing processing,and if a copy/output prohibited item is recognized, the detection signalis applied to pseudo intermediate tone processing/black characterprocessing portion 24 or output portion 30 for copy prohibitingprocessing. More specifically, to output portion 30, the processing thesame as described in connection with the first embodiment may beperformed. Pseudo intermediate tone processing/black characterprocessing portion 24 stops output of YMCK binary data, or sets all thepixels as “black=1, other colors=0” to entirely blot out in black.

Since the circuit scale of the recognizing portion increases if graydata (multi-value data having 256 tones, for example) is used as is asdescribed above, a characteristic amount extraction portion 55 may beprovided in the preceding stage to recognizing portion 52 as shown inrecognizing apparatus 50′ in FIG. 26, in order to reduce the number ofpieces of data to be processed. As an example of such characteristicamount extraction, edge extraction or color separation using a windowcomparator may be performed for binarization. Various othercharacteristic amount extraction processes may be employed.

Furthermore, by combining the two structures (FIGS. 24 and 26), as shownin FIG. 27, image data (multi-value data having 256 tones, for example)having its resolution degraded by a thinning process at thinning portion54 may be sent to characteristic amount extraction portion 55, whereimage data obtained by characteristic amount extraction may be appliedto recognizing portion 52.

FIG. 28 shows a third embodiment of the invention. According to thethird embodiment, image processing portion 20′ is provided inside with aYMCK conversion portion 21 in the succeeding stage to zooming processingportion 22, zooming processing is performed based on RGB data, and 64 or128-dot RGB data after the zooming processing is converted into YMCKdata. The other structure, function and effect are the same as those ofthe above-described embodiments, the same portions are denoted with thesame reference characters and a detailed description thereof is notprovided.

In this configuration, the output of zooming processing portion 22 isapplied to recognizing apparatus 50″. As a result, recognizing apparatus50″ is provided with RGB data. Note that for recognizing processing inrecognizing apparatus 50″, data to be processed is changed to RGB data,details of the processing may be the same as that of each of theabove-described embodiments (particularly that of the secondembodiment), a detailed description thereof is not provided.

Although not shown, in such image processing portion 20′ (whichYMCK-converts after zooming processing), the output of YMCK conversionportion 21 is applied to the recognizing apparatus, a signal output fromYMCK conversion portion 21 is equivalent to a signal output from zoomingprocessing portion 22 according to the second embodiment, therecognizing apparatus according to the second embodiment may be appliedas is. Similarly, if the output of image processing portion 20′ isapplied to the recognizing apparatus, a signal output from imageprocessing portion 20′ is equivalent to a signal output from imageprocessing portion 20 according to the first embodiment, and thereforethe recognizing apparatus according to the first embodiment may beapplied as is.

Note that in the above embodiment of the invention, image data appliedto image processing portions 20 and 20′ is RGB data, but the presentinvention is not limited to this, a signal other than RGB data, such asa YMC or YMCK signal may be employed, and any signal capable ofspecifying color information may be employed.

Industrial Applicabilities

As in the foregoing, in a method and an apparatus for recognizing imagesaccording to the present invention, and in a copying machine and aprinter using the same, recognizing processing is performed based onimage data after a zooming operation, and therefore the kind of imagedata may be advantageously limited to two kinds regardless of themagnification, which makes operations easier.

Thus, even in the ink jet type apparatus which reads (receives from theoutside) data on the basis of a strip-shaped region smaller than theentire original, or in a copying machine and a printer which producesand outputs printing data based on the applied image data, image dataincluding a particular image may be surely detected.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image recognizing apparatus for recognizing apredetermined image, the apparatus comprising: an input for receivingregions of image data, each of said regions being strip-shaped imagedata representing less than one original page of image data; arecognizing portion for searching said strip-shaped image data for saidpredetermined image such that a first search operation is performed whena first plurality of said regions is received by said recognizingportion and such that a second search operation is performed when asecond plurality of said regions is received by said recognizingportion, wherein at least one region searched in said second searchoperation is also searched in said first search operation; and an outputfor outputting a control signal having an effect on a printing operationbased upon a result of said searching performed by said recognizingportion.
 2. An image recognizing apparatus for recognizing apredetermined image, the apparatus comprising: an input for receivingregions of image data, each of said regions being strip-shaped imagedata that has been subjected to zooming processing, said strip-shapedimage data representing less than one original page of image data; arecognizing portion for searching said strip-shaped, zooming processedimage data for said predetermined image such that a first searchoperation is performed when a first plurality of said regions isreceived by said recognizing portion and such that a second searchoperation is performed when a second plurality of said regions isreceived by said recognizing portion, wherein at least one regionsearched in said second search operation is also searched in said firstsearch operation; and an output for outputting a control signal havingan effect on a printing operation based upon a result of said searchingperformed by said recognizing portion.
 3. An image processing system,comprising: an image reading portion for reading strip-shaped regions ofan entire image reading region; an image processing portion forproducing and outputting printing data based on image data output fromthe image reading portion; and an image recognizing apparatus forrecognizing a predetermined image present in said read image data, saidimage recognizing apparatus comprising: an input for receiving saidstrip-shaped regions, each of said strip-shaped regions beingstrip-shaped image data representing less than one original page ofimage data; a recognizing portion for searching said strip-shaped imagedata for said predetermined image such that a first search operation isperformed when a first plurality of said regions is received by saidrecognizing portion and such that a second search operation is performedwhen a second plurality of said regions is received by said recognizingportion, wherein at least one region searched in said second searchoperation is also searched in said first search operation; and an outputfor outputting a control signal having an effect on a printing operationbased upon a result of said searching performed by said recognizingportion.
 4. The image processing system of claim 3, wherein said inputof said image recognizing apparatus is configured to receivestrip-shaped image data that has been subjected to zooming processing,said strip-shaped image data representing less than one original page ofimage data.
 5. An image processing system, comprising: an imageprocessing portion for receiving image data and producing and outputtingprinting data based on the received image data; and an image recognizingapparatus for recognizing a predetermined image present in said receivedimage data, said image recognizing apparatus comprising: an input forreceiving regions of image data, each of said regions being strip-shapedimage data representing less than one original page of image data; arecognizing portion for searching said strip-shaped image data for saidpredetermined image such that a first search operation is performed whena first plurality of said regions is received by said recognizingportion and such that a second search operation is performed when asecond plurality of said regions is received by said recognizingportion, wherein at least one region searched in said second searchoperation is also searched in said first search operation; and an outputfor outputting a control signal having an effect on a printing operationbased upon a result of said searching performed by said recognizingportion.
 6. The image processing system of claim 5, wherein said inputof said image recognizing apparatus is configured to receivestrip-shaped image data that has been subjected to zooming processing,said strip-shaped image data representing less than one original page ofimage data.
 7. The image processing system of claim 3 or 5, wherein saidimage recognizing apparatus further comprises a binary to multi-valueconversion portion between said input and said recognizing portion forconverting binary data to multi-value image data.
 8. The imageprocessing system of claim 7, wherein said image recognizing apparatussearches image data that has been subjected to a zooming process.
 9. Theimage processing system of claim 7, wherein said image processing systemis included in a copy machine.
 10. The image processing system of claim7, wherein said image processing system is included in a printer. 11.The image processing system of claim 3 or 5, wherein said strip-shapedimage data is a signal to specify a color component.
 12. The imageprocessing system of claim 11, wherein said image processing system isincluded in a copy machine.
 13. The image processing system of claim 11,wherein said image processing system is included in a printer.
 14. Theimage processing system of claim 3 or 5, wherein said image processingsystem is included in a copy machine.
 15. The image processing system ofclaim 5, wherein said image processing system is included in a printer.16. A method for recognizing a predetermined image, said methodcomprising: receiving regions of image data, each of said regions beingstrip-shaped image data representing less than one original page ofimage data; searching said strip-shaped image data for saidpredetermined image such that a first search operation is performed whena first plurality of said regions is received and such that a secondsearch operation is performed when a second plurality of said regions isreceived, wherein at least one region searched in said second searchoperation is also searched in said first search operation; andoutputting a control signal for effecting a printing operation basedupon a result of said act of sequentially searching.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said act of sequentially searching comprisessequentially searching multi-image data that has been through a zoomingprocess.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising reading an imageon the basis of a strip-shaped small region for an entire image readingregion.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein said act of sequentiallysearching comprises sequentially searching image data formed of a signalspecifying a color component.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein saidimage data is selected from the group consisting of YMC data and YMCKdata.